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GULFPORT, Miss. - Hancock Whitney has appointed Mary Elizabeth Stringer as Director of Government Affairs, a newly created position aimed at developing the bank's governmental affairs strategy across its multi-state footprint, according to a company press release. The regional bank, with a market capitalization of approximately $4.85 billion, continues to strengthen its leadership team amid solid financial performance.
In this role, Stringer will build relationships with elected officials, oversee the company's Political Action Committee, monitor legislation and elections, guide policy positions, and serve as the primary contact for elected officials.
Stringer joins Hancock Whitney from the American Bankers Association, where she served as Director of the State Association Alliance, working as a liaison with 52 state banking associations to advance industry priorities. Her previous experience includes working in Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker's office and leading government advocacy efforts at Advocacy Associates.
"We operate within a highly regulated industry dependent on knowing, understanding, and being part of governmental activities and actions affecting how we do business," said John M. Hairston, President and CEO of Hancock Whitney.
Stringer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Mississippi College and a Master of Professional Studies degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. She is a native of Tylertown, Mississippi, and will be based in Gulfport.
Hancock Whitney operates across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, with additional loan and deposit production offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. The bank was recently recognized by BauerFinancial, Inc. for its financial strength for the 144th consecutive quarter and was named among America's Best Banks for 2025 by Forbes.
In other recent news, Hancock Whitney Corporation reported its third-quarter 2025 earnings, revealing an adjusted earnings per share of $1.49, surpassing the forecasted $1.43. However, the company's revenue slightly missed expectations, totaling $385 million compared to the anticipated $391.32 million. Despite this revenue miss, the company announced a regular fourth-quarter 2025 cash dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on December 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 5, 2025. Analyst firms have responded to these developments with DA Davidson reiterating a Buy rating and setting a price target of $72.00. Raymond James also maintained a Strong Buy rating, though it lowered its price target to $72.00 from $73.00. The bank's third-quarter performance demonstrated strength in fee-generating business lines and effective expense management. Raymond James noted ongoing capital return and robust profitability as positive factors. However, it reduced its out-year earnings per share estimates despite the positive third-quarter performance.
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